BMW looks to carbon fiber for its 2013 electric car
Right now, only the most expensive vehicles have carbon fiber components, like hoods or roofs, to reduce weight. But BMW says the pricey magic material will make up the whole passenger cell in its electric-powered Megacity vehicle, due in 2013.
BMW says it will “open a new chapter in automotive lightweight design” by allowing the vehicle to offset almost all of the extra 600 or more pounds that comes from heavy batteries and other electrical components.
BMW Group and SGL Group yesterday held the ground-breaking ceremony for their new facility in Moses Lake, Washington. Known as SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers, the facility will play an important role in manufacturing of lightweight carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) for use in the BMW Megacity Vehicle.
“Carbon fiber technology is becoming increasingly important in the materials substitution process to lighter materials, which helps to improve fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions,” BMW said in a statement.
BMW said that during the initial phase of the construction, the two companies will invest $100 million and will create 80 new jobs along with an additional 200 for the site construction. The first carbon fiber line will be commissioned in the third quarter of 2011.
The first applications of the carbon fibers manufactured in Moses Lake will be used exclusively for the Megacity Vehicle, which will be the first Mass Produced car to utilize a full carbon fiber structure and will arrive in 2013 under a BMW sub-brand.
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